Vikings Sign Two Tryout Players From Minnesota: FB Zach Ojile, OL Sam Schlueter
Following rookie minicamp this past weekend, the Vikings announced that they have signed a pair of players who happen to hail from the state of Minnesota: Former Gophers offensive lineman Sam Schlueter and Minnesota-Duluth fullback Zach Ojile.
Schlueter finished his college career in 2021 and spent some time on NFL rosters after going undrafted last year. He signed with the 49ers as a UDFA and appeared in preseason action with SF, then had a stint on the Jets' practice squad late in the year. Schlueter is a Victoria, MN native who attended Mayer Lutheran High School, which is about 45 minutes west of Minneapolis. He spent six years at the University of Minnesota, appearing in 59 games with 49 starts over his last five seasons. Schlueter is 6'6" and 309 pounds, turns 26 in August, and has experience at both left and right tackle. He was a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention.
With the Vikings, Schlueter adds a bit more depth at tackle and will compete with players like Oli Udoh, Vederian Lowe, and undrafted rookie Jacky Chen for a spot on Minnesota's practice squad.
Ojile (pronounced oh-ZHEE-ell) is a 6'2", 238-pound fullback who is making the switch to that position after being listed as a tight end in college. The Vikings did the same thing with 2020 UDFA Jake Bargas, who moved from TE to FB and spent a couple years on the practice squad as C.J. Ham's backup. Ojile, a former team captain for the D-II UMD Bulldogs, had 61 career catches for 702 yards and ten receiving touchdowns in college, plus 87 rushes for 418 yards and another 14 TDs. That's 24 total touchdowns in 40 games. He's a Blaine, MN native who starred at Spring Lake Park High School in the northern Minneapolis suburbs.
In Minnesota, Ojile will try to earn a practice squad as Ham's backup, just like Bargas did in recent years. In a best-case scenario world, he could eventually supplant Ham as the Vikings' fullback, perhaps in 2024.
The Vikings still have one open spot on their roster.
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